Designing a kitchen pantry for a small kitchen is about clever planning, not compromise. Here’s how our Perth-based team at Joyce Kitchens turns tiny kitchen storage into big-day usability for WA homes.
Why a thoughtful pantry matters in a small kitchen
In compact apartments, townhouses or heritage cottages, the pantry often doubles as the central hub for food, small appliances and cleaning gear. The goal is fast visibility and easy reach—no more “double-buying” spices or losing snacks at the back. With custom cabinetry WA manufacturing and premium hardware, we convert cramped corners into clear, organised storage that feels bigger every day.
- Better visibility: shallow shelves and drawers stop items disappearing.
- Faster cooking: keep daily-use items between waist and eye level.
- Higher capacity: use vertical space with pull-outs, door racks and kickboard drawers.
Best pantry ideas for small kitchens
Below are practical, buildable kitchen pantry ideas for small kitchens and very small kitchen storage ideas we regularly specify in kitchen renovations Perth-wide.
1) Pull-out pantry units (300–450 mm wide)
Perfect for galley kitchens and narrow gaps. A tall pull-out brings everything forward in one motion—excellent for oils, sauces and tins. Choose soft-close runners and adjustable baskets to avoid wasted space.
2) Drawer-based pantry (the “pantry in drawers” approach)
Rather than deep shelves, use deep soft-close drawers at 500–600 mm depth with full-extension runners. You’ll see every item from above—ideal for kids’ snacks and baking staples.
3) Shallow wall pantry (250–350 mm)
Shallow shelves keep everything visible. Add door-mounted spice racks and label the fronts. This is one of the simplest, highest-impact pantry designs for small kitchens.
4) Corner solutions that actually work
Swap dead corners for a LeMans tray, corner carousel, or angled shelves. Pair with motion-sensor LED task lighting so you can see to the very back.
5) Overhead “appliance garage” with pocket or bi-fold doors
Hide the toaster, kettle and blender in an appliance garage on the benchtop. Pocket doors slide away for easy use; bi-folds suit tighter spots. Specify power points inside and a wipeable splashback.
6) Slim door racks and rail systems
Use the inside of pantry doors for spices, wraps and condiments. Rail systems also suit narrow galley kitchen ends for tea towels and utensils.
7) Kickboard (plinth) drawers
Turn the kickboard into bonus storage for trays, wraps and flat items. It’s a tiny kitchen storage winner where every millimetre counts.
8) Open shelves + decanting
Open shelving above eye level can look airy in a shaker kitchen or contemporary flat-panel style. Decant dry goods into clear, labelled containers for instant stock checks.
9) Mini scullery or micro butler’s pantry
If you can borrow 900–1200 mm from a laundry or hallway, a micro scullery adds pantry shelving, an under-mount sink and small-appliance parking out of sight.
A benchtop cabinet with power inside to store small appliances behind a door (pocket, roller, or bi-fold), keeping the bench clear.
10) FIFO labelling and zones
Label front edges and store in zones: breakfast, baking, dinner bases, snacks. FIFO (first-in, first-out) rotation reduces waste and makes tiny pantries feel larger.
Drawer runners that extend the drawer fully beyond the cabinet face so you can see and reach items at the very back.
Our design and renovation process
- In-home measure & brief: We assess layout, services and appliance sizes (most Aussie ovens are 600 mm; compact dishwashers can be 450 mm).
- Concept & 3D renders: We test options like pull-out pantry towers vs drawer-based pantries in your galley or L-shaped kitchen.
- Materials & hardware: From moisture-resistant board to Blum soft-close hinges and runners, we specify for durability.
- Compliance & documentation: We work to AS/NZS cabinetry guidelines and recommend HIA contracts for major works.
- WA manufacturing: Custom cabinetry made locally to fit your space precisely.
- Installation & aftercare: Qualified trades, clean site handover, and support if you need tweaks once you’ve lived in the space.
A timeless cabinet style with a recessed panel door. Works beautifully with both classic and contemporary small kitchens.
Materials and finishes that suit WA homes
Heat, UV and coastal conditions in WA can be tough on finishes. We’ll help you balance durability, budget and style—from laminate to timber veneer, porcelain and natural stone.
Benchtop comparison: Engineered surface vs Laminate
| Feature | Engineered surface (porcelain / sintered, silica-free options) | Laminate benchtop |
|---|---|---|
| Heat & UV resistance | Excellent heat and UV stability; great for Perth sunlit kitchens. | Good, but use trivets; prolonged heat can mark. |
| Durability | Highly scratch and stain resistant; ideal for busy families. | Modern laminates are robust; avoid cutting directly on surface. |
| Edges & profiles | Sleek mitred or square edges; seamless look. | Postformed or square edges; many décor choices. |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance, non-porous. | Very low maintenance; budget-friendly to replace later. |
| Typical price (supply & install) | $$$ (higher) | $ (economical) |
| Regulatory note (AU) | We specify silica-free engineered surfaces (e.g., porcelain, sintered stone) in line with current guidance. | No specific silica concerns. |
Note: Traditional engineered stone containing crystalline silica is restricted/banned in Australia. Ask us about compliant alternatives suitable for your project.
Cabinetry and hardware
- Carcasses: Moisture-resistant board for longevity near sinks and dishwashers.
- Doors: Thermolaminate, 2-pack polyurethane or timber veneer for different looks and budgets.
- Hardware: Blum soft-close drawers and hinges for smooth access; internal pull-outs for oils and spices.
- Lighting: LED strip task lighting in pantries and under overheads to brighten compact areas.
Layouts and styles that maximise space
Galley kitchens
Run a tall pull-out pantry at one end, pair with a drawer-based pantry on the opposite run, and keep a clear 900–1000 mm walkway.
L-shaped and U-shaped kitchens
Use a shallow pantry beside the fridge and a corner LeMans for pots. U-shapes benefit from wide, mid-height drawers for bulk food.
Style notes
- Shaker kitchen: Add glass doors to a single overhead for display, keep other doors solid to reduce visual clutter.
- Contemporary flat-panel: Finger-pull doors or slimline rails keep lines clean. Matt finishes reduce fingerprints.
- Splashbacks: Glass or porcelain panel splashbacks bounce light and are easy to wipe.
- Appliances: Compact 450 mm dishwashers, 600 mm ovens and slim 520–600 mm induction cooktops are small-kitchen friendly.
Costs, timeframes and allowances (Perth guide)
- Retrofit pantry upgrade: $2,500–$8,000 incl. custom pull-outs, new doors and internal lighting.
- New small-kitchen renovation: $18,000–$35,000+ depending on materials, benchtops and appliances.
- Micro scullery/butler’s pantry: $6,000–$15,000+ if services and walls are nearby.
- Timeframe: Design 1–3 weeks; manufacture 3–6 weeks; installation 3–7 days depending on scope.
Prices are indicative for kitchen renovations Perth and can vary with site access, plumbing/electrical changes and material selections.
Two quick WA case examples
Case 1: Subiaco apartment galley
Brief: no space for a tall pantry. Solution: a 900 mm wide drawer-based pantry (three deep drawers with full-extension runners) plus a 300 mm pull-out spice/oil unit by the cooktop. Result: 30% more usable storage and faster meal prep.
Case 2: Fremantle terrace kitchen
Brief: hide small appliances and improve flow. Solution: appliance garage with pocket doors, shallow 300 mm wall pantry beside the fridge, and kickboard drawers for trays. Result: clear benches and a visually larger U-shaped kitchen.
Small pantry planning checklist
- Measure appliances first (most Aussie fridges need 600–900 mm width; allow ventilation).
- Choose shelves vs drawers: drawers for depth, shelves for quick visibility.
- Target a 300–400 mm pantry depth to prevent “lost” items.
- Use door racks for spices and wraps; label shelves for FIFO.
- Include LED lighting inside tall pantries and corners.
- Upgrade hardware to soft-close and full-extension runners.
- Add at least one pull-out for oils/sauces near the cooktop.
- Consider kickboard drawers for flat items.
- Pick durable finishes that suit WA heat and light.
- Plan power points in appliance garages and micro sculleries.
Standards, compliance and useful links (AU)
We work to Australian best practice and can advise on relevant standards and building contracts. For further reading:
Ready to design a smarter small-kitchen pantry?
Book a chat with our Joyce Kitchens Perth team. We’ll bring materials, samples and ideas to your space—then craft custom cabinetry that turns your tiny kitchen storage into everyday calm.
Enquire now or visit our showrooms to see hardware and finishes in person.
FAQ
What is the best pantry for a small kitchen?
For most compact layouts, a mix of a tall pull-out pantry (300–450 mm wide) and a drawer-based pantry works best. Shallow 300–400 mm wall pantries also improve visibility. The ideal solution depends on your layout (galley, L-shaped or U-shaped) and whether you can add door racks, kickboard drawers and an appliance garage.
How much does a small pantry upgrade cost in Perth?
As a guide, $2,500–$8,000 for a retrofit with custom pull-outs, soft-close drawers, lighting and new doors. If you are renovating the whole kitchen, expect $18,000–$35,000+ depending on benchtops, appliances and finishes.
What depth should a small kitchen pantry be?
Target 300–400 mm for shallow pantries so nothing gets lost. If you go 500–600 mm deep, use full-extension drawers or pull-outs instead of fixed shelves to keep items accessible.
Can I fit a butler’s pantry in a tiny kitchen?
Often, yes—as a micro scullery. If you can borrow 900–1200 mm from a laundry, hallway or under-stairs area, we can create a compact zone with shelves, an under-mount sink and appliance storage behind pocket doors.
Are engineered stone benchtops still allowed in WA?
Traditional engineered stone with crystalline silica is restricted/banned in Australia. We specify compliant alternatives such as porcelain or sintered surfaces, natural stone or laminate. Ask our team for the latest guidance and options for your project.